i am not from the area but am building 2 decks for a friend sw new hampshire . one is basically a low level platform 6×12 ft.(2 steps up)as a front entrance. The other a large deck 5 ft off ground.
1.do i need footings and piers on low one?
2.for large one what depth should my footings be?
3.are the plastic forms a good idea or use sonotube??
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I like this way because you divorce the vertical support and x-y-z alignment functions into two separate activities - you would just have to go deeper -
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Forrest - only an occasional deck builder
1. Yes
2. Height of deck (platform) off of ground is irrelevant, footing(s) must sit below frost line. (42"? NH)
3. Either one will work.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
1.do i need footings and piers on low one?
If you don't want the deck to heave or settle, then yes.
2.for large one what depth should my footings be?
Below frost - at last 48" in sw NH (check with local code official)
3.are the plastic forms a good idea or use sonotube??
It depends on the expected live and dead loads and the bearing capacity of the soil. Spread footings are generally a good idea, and the plastic "Big Foot" forms make this easy, but typically require sonotubes to extend the pier to the surface (unless you use the newer one piece forms).
I prefer to keep the concrete underground, for aesthetic reasons, and extend the PT posts into the concrete piers with galvanized nails sticking out for a good bond.
Hi Steve,
Footing depths for this area are four feet. The height of the deck is irrelevent
Some local insp. are starting to require the big foot forms, but most are not. I would say check with the inspector.
Tim
What the other posters said. But take a look at these. http://www.redifooting.com I've used them and like them. No messing with concrete and no lost time waiting for it to set. Of course run it by the inspector if you have to do that kind of thing in SW New Hampshire.
four feet deep.
This time of year I would use the pre-cast pyramids we can get up here in either 4' or 5' tall with a threaded bolt insertt for attaching a Simpson adjustable post mount anchor. Last I recall were only about $38.
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did not know about these - thankyou for the info